Kingdom Hearts III Critical Mode, Paid and Free DLC in Development

Thanks to an interview published by Dengeki Online with Kingdom Hearts III director Tetsuya Nomura, translated by Gematsu, we have more information regarding Kingdom Hearts III‘s critical mode and future paid/free DLC.

Critical mode wasn’t in the original versions of the Kingdom Hearts games but it did make an appearance in the Final Mix versions. This time around, Critical Mode will make an appearance as “an update at a later [time].” While it may seem like a simple edition, Nomura went on to explain the complexity and nuance behind this addition.

It’s not about simply changing the numerical value to be stronger, we’re readjusting and debugging. Rather than just making it more difficult, we’re making adjustments to pinpoint a level of fun unique to Critical Mode.

Essentially DLC will be implemented in lieu of having a Final Mix version as a separate package.

In addition to free DLC, the team is also planning for paid DLC which will release several elements together as a batch. The goal is to have the paid DLC done within the year, allowing the team to move on to their next project.

As soon as Kingdom Hearts III was released, fans began murmuring about the possible future of the franchise. It’s not completely off the table, but it’s not something fans need to be on the lookout for. As for the future of the Kingdom Hearts series, while we’ve had various discussions, whether there will be anything, or whether we do something is still up in the air. I already have a full schedule for the rest of the year. Nomura admits the future has been discussed but nothing has been finalized yet.

As for the future of the Kingdom Hearts series, while we’ve had various discussions, whether there will be anything, or whether we do something is still up in the air. I already have a full schedule for the rest of the year.

Kingdom Hearts III is available now on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.